The question was about the *class* of amplifier. And -- if cost i no object and all other variables held constant, class-A, no question. But it has many downsides, mostly size, heat and cost int he real world.
For small signals anyone who doesn't design class-A is crazy. For big power amplifiers there are many trade-offs. Note there are also sliding scales.
Class D, an entirely different type of "class" has huge potential but still needs refinement. Modern GaN is already helping.
But among A, AB, C it is clearly A. That said i always design high bias AB for bog amps.
For small signals anyone who doesn't design class-A is crazy. For big power amplifiers there are many trade-offs. Note there are also sliding scales.
Class D, an entirely different type of "class" has huge potential but still needs refinement. Modern GaN is already helping.
But among A, AB, C it is clearly A. That said i always design high bias AB for bog amps.